Gareth Barry letter: Original and uncut version
Gareth Barry
I need a new challenge, I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone.
I believe the deal is a good one for the club, I am sure the manager will use the money well to strengthen the team and the club will go from strength to strength.
I am also excited now about my new challenge, a lot of people will question my decision to join Manchester City. They were the club prepared to meet the valuation, which for a 28-year-old, with a year left on his contract, I think shows how much they wanted me.
Once I had spoken to Mark Hughes there was nowhere else I wanted to go. I was also desperate to avoid any long drawn-out saga.
I feel I am joining a club that will seriously challenge to win major honours, people might doubt that, but I am convinced with the plans the club has short term and long term, and the backing the manager will receive from the owners, that we will be a major force.
Also the World Cup has always been a major part of my thinking and I feel at Man City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side. Time will tell if I am right or not, but those are my reasons.
I have grown bored of all the speculation surrounding me over the last 12 months and I am sure all the fans have as well.
I am glad I never left last summer because I would have left under a huge cloud.This year I feel things are different. I havent used an agent, I have discussed things with my best friend but ultimately made my own choices and I think the situation has been handled properly by everybody involved and, once again, I have to thank the manager and the club for that.
I genuinely wish the club all the best for the future and want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me during my time here.
For the rest of my life Aston Villa will be the first result I look for. Thanks for everything.
Gareth
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